High temperature end fitting and method of use

Abstract

Embodiments of a system and method for sealing an end of a flowline to an end fitting are disclosed. Such methods include providing an end fitting housing having a bore, wherein a portion of the bore has a tapered inner surface, inserting an open end of a flexible pipe into the bore, the flexible pipe having an external layer, to create a tapered annular space between the tapered inner surface and the external layer, and positioning a ring into the tapered annular space such that the ring radially contracts upon the external layer causing the external layer to deform to create a seal.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09 / 689,075, entitled High Temperature End Fitting and Method of Use, filed on Oct. 12, 2000 now U.S. Pat. NO. 6,592,153 which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention relates in general to end fittings that retain and seal at least one open end of flexible pipe, and in particular to high temperature end fittings.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0003]A flexible flowline is comprised typically of several distinct concentric layers that afford strength and flexibility to the flowline. The innermost layer, known as the carcass, prevents collapse of the flowline due to external hydrostatic pressure. The immediately adjacent layer, known as the barrier, is constructed from a synthetic polymer material and serves to prevent content leakage. There may also be succession of other layers of varying materials forming the overall composite of the flowline.[0004]A flexible flowline may b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]This invention relates to an improved seal construction for an end fitting in which an open end of flexible flowline is to be received. More specifically, the invention relates to such an end fitting in which a novel seal construction is provided capable of functioning to compensate, offset or be unaffected by the adverse effects

Problems solved by technology

While functioning well, problems with the foregoing seals have arisen inside the end fitting where the flowline and end fitting are subjected to extreme fluctuations in temperature.

Repeated thermal cycling in the foregoing manner can result in a loss of seal integrity due to stress relaxation and creep of the barrier layer, followed by loss of compression at the seal.

This, plasticized state, however, deteriorates with time until ultimately a loss in barrier thickness occurs and a state of equilibrium is reached.

Despite recognition of the forgoing, it has not been previously known how to satisfactorily eliminate the loss of tension and sealing of the flowline that can occur as described above.

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